President Jacob Zuma on Sunday declared South Africa ready for the start of the World Cup and praised the tournament for bringing cohesion to his once divided nation, AP reported. Five days from the kickoff, Zuma said the nation has not witnessed such enthusiasm and excitement since former president Nelson Mandela was released from an apartheid-era prison in 1990. Zuma spoke to reporters at the presidential guesthouse in Pretoria with FIFA president Sepp Blatter at his side. Zuma said South African flags, festooning office towers, homes, stores and cars across the country, have become the most popular item for locals, and applauded the explosion of national pride, saying it was a priceless benefit of the tournament. Zuma also criticized those who doubted the nation's ability to host the first World Cup on the African continent. South Africa was chosen in 2004 to host to this year's tournament from June 11 to July 11. -- SPA
